Monte Schwartz Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr Schwartz was professional and likeable from the first evaluation appointment. I was looking for a revision from stomach stapling I had done in 1980. He took the time to explain why the early WLS surgery failed and how many improvements they had made over the last 26 years. When I walked into his office I felt like such a failure, when I left I felt there was really hope and that he was sincere with his explanation. His office staff are friendly and the office has very comfortable furniture made for larger people. He provides support groups to help before and after the surgery. There is a required 3 hour pre op class run by his Clinical Coordinator, Karen, who had gastric bypass surgery 5 years ago. She is one of the most caring, informative nurses I have ever met. She made the journey much more bearable. She continues to be there to help with any problems I have post op. Dr Schwartz provides educational opportunities with a Registered Dietitian pre op and having attended only 2 support group meetings, I have learned from a Chef and Clinical Psychologist at those meetings. What a difference from the first time! Once you begin the process with Dr Schwartz, you are provided a booklet explaining their program. It clearly outlines the risks of the surgery and what life will be like post op. This is discussed in length at your 3 hour pre op meeting and there is required paperwork you have to complete so they will know you reviewed the material. Dr Schwartz also requires a letter from you outlining the risks of surgery and what this surgery will do for you. I felt prepared and aware surgery day. I had so many expectations of how I would be after waking from surgery since I had went through this before. To my surprise this experience was so much better than the first. Pain was managed well, only one incidence of vomiting for me. Dr Schwartz removed my old scar and made me a very thin line scar. I am so impressed with his surgical competence. He was professional and polite when visiting each morning and kept me informed what he expected each day from me and answered any questions I had. It always seemed he was in a hurry to me. Karen stopped by to check on me and had time to chat and make sure I had everything I needed and was getting prepared for going home. I would recommend Dr Schwartz and his staff for WLS surgery. They have a great program going and they are always working to improve it. I am excited to be making this journey with these professionals behind me!

My first impression was very good. He had a very hands on attitude and was very eager to answer all my questions. My impression over time just improved. His office staff is top notch in my book. From the very beginning they seemed very caring and friendly. They handled all the pre-op requirements as they came up and they worked well with my primary care physician, who at times is less than professional in my opinion. At this point I don't have anything negative to say about him or his staff. I do have a very high opinion of his entire bariatric program. His RN bariatric coordinator if above professional and caring and the pre-op program was so informative to me and also my husband. I attended support groups before the surgery and I cannot imagine going through this without that as a very big portion of the entire weight loss surgery program. He and his staff could not emphasize any more the importance of aftercare giving me a good time guideline to follow in order to insure a good recovery from the surgery itself and a healthy start on this journey. His program includes monthly support group meetings that I cannot stress too much the importance of those. He was very upfront about the risks of surgery and in fact, he has had a death which apparently was caused by an unknown heart problem that the cardiologist did not detect before the surgery. They suggested a very good book to read prior to surgery and it was an immense help in answering questions I didn't even think of. I know it is expected that I would have some negative comment about my experience and I know no one is perfect but at this point (two weeks post-op) I am completely satisfied with my care. One of his big pluses in my book is that he took the time to explain the surgery individually to both my husband and I and he did it in terms that a layman can understand. The only thing he did not follow through on was my request that while I was in surgery that he somehow make me 5 inches taller. Another plus is that he had a sense of humor which is something I regard very highly in a person. I know this is a very serious decision I made but I seem to relax more if I can joke a little especially with my doctor. I have absolutely no apprehension about his surgical competence and I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in this surgery. In fact, there was a lady who came to take blood from me in the hospital that had a long conversation with me about my surgery and she said she was going to talk to him.

Dr. Schwartz is the most kind and gentle man who really cares about his patients and their families. From the first appointment he made my husband feel comfortable with the surgery and post op care and the continuing education and lifestyle changes we would be making as a family. He has always taken the time to answer my questions and then he always asks my husband if he has any questions for concerns. Dr. Schwartz took plenty of time to check on me after my surgery to make sure I was comfortable and feeling well. He has also been t our support group to answer questions. He is so down to earth and humble. I am so thankful he is the surgeon I had! After our first meeting I knew I was in good hands.

My first impression of Dr. Schwartz is that he was friendly and made me feel comfortable. Over time I realize that he is very knowledgable and up front with his patients. his office is beautiful and he has a friendly staff. Future patients should know that he has done this procedure many times with excellent success. Dr. Schwartz has a structured support system and aftercare. I would definitely recommend him.

I was very pleased with my experience with Dr.Schwartz. My first visit was brief but informative.He has a genuine warmth and is very knowledgable.All of his staff are friendly and encouraging.The office is attractive and inviting.I am so thankful that he relocated to Tsn. I don't think I could have received better care.

I met with Dr. Schwartz after discussing WLS with my PCP, his wife, Dr. Tisha Schwartz. They are both wonderful physicians and I highly recommend them if you are in the Tucson area. Dr. Schwartz is very straightforward and honest when discussing the procedure. He looks you in the eye, listens attentatively and thoroughly answers any and all questions you have. My friends and family have also raved about him and how well he has looked after me post surgery. After the operation, he spent a great deal of time with my parents in the waiting room talking with them and answering all their questions. rn rnI loved his wry, sarcastic sense of humor from our first meeting and felt an immediate sense of \"rightness\" about his abilities. It has been seven weeks since my surgery and although I've has some minor problems post-op, Dr. Schwartz has treated me with great care and concern. (He called in prescriptions at 10pm on a Sunday night when I became really sick with a high fever and vomitting.) He is a terrific caretaker, as is his clinical cordinator, Karen, and I cannot say enough good things about them and the office staff. They are always available to you. rnrnThe more I interact with Dr. Schwartz, the more I appreciate his competence and genuine nature when it comes to his bedside manner and surgical skills. If you are considering WLS, then defintiely meet with Dr. Schwartz, his staff, and support group patients. Seriously, you'll love him!!! :)

Dr Schwartz and his team are top notch. He spent alot of time explaining the procedure and its benfits and drawbacks. His office was wonderful with roomy chairs in the waiting room with a soothing fountain to calm the jitters. Dr Schwartz' nurse Karen had WLS 5 years ago so she is a fountain of knowledge and always has time to talk to you if you call with a question. Without a doubt if you are looking to have WLS in Tucson you owe it to yourself to check out Dr Monte Schwartz at Foothills Surgery.

My first impression with Dr. Schwartz was A+. Him and his staff were very respectful and took the time to explain the risk and the procedure to me. They gave me the information that I needed to have to continue with the process of this journey towards a healthy life so that my insurance would cover the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Schwartz to anyone who is looking to have this procedure done. I am in the process of doing the other things that need to be done to have the surgery, but I am confident that his staff will continue to be respectful and caring throughout my journey. Thanks Dr. Schwartz and your staff.

So far my experience with Dr. Schwartz has been fantastic. I haven't been given the run around about getting an appointment--his office staff is absolutely fantastic. During the primary consult, he was up front and went through the risks and benefits. So far, I am really happy with my experience.

I had my RNY procedure done in Grinnell, IA by Dr. Monte Schwartz with Surgical Associates. My first impression is that he was very knowledgable and kind of cocky but very confident. He answered all of my questions and made sure that I understood what was going on. I will say that he was quick and I felt a little rushed at first. After I had the procedure I had a bleed -- not that uncommon but scary none the less. He and the nursing staff were very quick to get it under control. I will say this -- even though I was throwing up blood and my husband was completely freaked out, I knew that Dr. Schwartz and the nursing staff had things under control which was great. His follow up was excellent as was the other doctors in his office. My incision is beautiful and this has been a very successful operation for me. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Schwartz and Grinnell Regional Medical Hospital.